One of the species in this genus is Acanthocephalus anguillae (Mueller, 1780),[citation needed] a fish parasite.

[citation needed] Because they are lacking circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, Acanthocephalus are exceptionally well-adapted to a symbiotrophic existence (Margulis & Chapman, 2009).

[citation needed] There are 5 steps in which Acanthocephala cycles through life; (1)Their eggs shed in feces.

(5)Lastly, the Acanthocephala matures and also produces eggs inside the definitive host (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).

This will manifest in lighter pigmentation and an increased attraction to predators, such as A. dirus' primary hosts.